Sunny Destin Florida is an intimate beach-side vacation destination that is home to a variety of individual communities and beach areas.  In the past few days we have already looked at the general Destin beach areas as well as Holiday Isle.

Continuing our tour of the individual Destin beaches we are heading east to another wonderful area known as Crystal Beach.  Upon arrival here you will instantly be transported away from the hustle and bustle.  The atmosphere is definitely laid back which is surprising since the physical location is near the heart of everything. Destin attractions, restaurants, and entertainment are all nearby.  In Crystal Beach guests enjoy getting away from it all without sacrificing the convenience to exciting diversions.  Vacation rentals in Crystal Beach include a few intimate neighborhoods with traditional beach architecture, white picket fences, and sidewalks leading toward the stunning white sand beaches accessible by multiple accesses.  In addition to beach home rentals, Crystal Beach offers several condos that are both on and just off the beach.  This area is among the most sought after for Destin vacationers.

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Beachfront Condos In Destin's Crystal Beach

Ocean Reef Resorts is delighted to showcase a collection of exquisite, privately-owned beachfront condos in five prime destinations at Crystal Beach, lining Scenic 98 in Destin.

After relaxing on the beach guests seeking excitement can head to Destin Commons, Paradise Key Shopping, City Market, and even the Silver Sands Premium Outlets.  The AMC Motion Picture Complex is located at Destin Commons complete with state of the art sound systems and comfortable stadium seating. Many nationally known restaurants abound here as well with The Outback, Bonefish, TGI Fridays, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chili's, and the Hard Rock Cafe just to name a few. Crystal Beach also has four locally owned restaurants right on Scenic Gulf Drive overlooking the jeweled waters of the stunning Gulf of Mexico. The Crab Trap is just slightly east of Crystal Beach with a long promenade on James Lee Beach Park that's reminiscent of a charming 19th century seaside resort. Crab Trap features fresh seafood, wonderful Po Boy sandwiches, and a big bar serving all of your favorite frozen beverages. The rustic interiors have high beamed ceilings and expansive windows which are often left open to allow the breeze in from the gulf. Towards the west in the center of Crystal Beach, you come to a restaurant called 790 on the Gulf. This delicious eatery features Cajun inspired dishes served with "southern Louisiana hospitality" and good down home cooking.  Specialties include gumbo which comes in different varieties like seafood, duck, chicken, and andouille sausage. Other Cajun seafood and fish specials change almost daily. You may dine indoors or out on their beachfront pool deck for added atmosphere. Nearby Camille's, a popular gulf view Crystal Beach restaurant serves up great Italian food including tasty thin crusted pizza, pasta with shrimp, seared jumbo scallops or artichoke hearts, and freshly caught fish. The interiors have a Tuscan styling but with vibrant, bright colors that are both chic and casual. There is also a covered deck for breezy outdoor dining. If you are seeking a romantic restaurant you should travel west from Crystal Beach to where Scenic Gulf Drive ends at Henderson Beach State Park. Here an old inn features the Beachwalk Cafe that overlooks the gulf with unobstructed views of dazzling sunsets over the park. This award winning Destin restaurant serves up gourmet seafood and mainland entrees with special sauces that are heavenly. It is the perfect place to go for a honeymoon, special anniversary, hallmark birthday, or any other celebration.

If you want to experience this area for yourself be sure to check out our Crystal Beach Vacation Rentals.  Tomorrow we take a look at another Destin beach, Miramar Beach!